Analysing dynamic work systems using DynEAST: a demonstration of concept

Area of Science:

• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Systems Engineering
• Organizational Dynamics

Background:

• Current Ergonomics methods struggle to capture the dynamism inherent in work systems.
• This limitation hinders the understanding of work-as-done, distributed situational awareness, and organizational drift.
• There is a need for advanced methods to model the dynamic features of complex sociotechnical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and demonstrate DynEAST (dynamic event analysis of systemic teamwork), a novel framework extending the EAST framework.
• To apply DynEAST principles, derived from Dynamic Network Analysis (DNA), to capture dynamism within work systems.
• To illustrate the utility of DynEAST in enhancing the understanding of complex work phenomena for Ergonomics practitioners.

Main Methods:

• The DynEAST concept, an extension of the EAST framework, is developed.
• Principles from Dynamic Network Analysis (DNA) are integrated into the DynEAST framework.
• A railway maintenance case study is used to demonstrate the application of the DynEAST concept.

Main Results:

• The case study findings illustrate how DynEAST outputs can be effectively utilized.
• DynEAST facilitates a deeper understanding of work-as-done, distributed situational awareness, and organizational drift.
• The method provides insights applicable to current and future Ergonomics challenges.

Conclusions:

• DynEAST offers a viable approach to model and analyze the dynamic features of complex work systems.
• The method is particularly relevant given the increasing complexity of sociotechnical systems.
• DynEAST equips Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) practitioners with enhanced analytical capabilities for systemic dynamism.